The "Safe Sleep 7" is a set of seven guidelines designed to make bed-sharing safer for babies and their parents. It is especially promoted for breastfeeding mothers but can apply to all parents who choose to bed-share. The guidelines are:
- No smoke, sober mom — Parents should not smoke or consume alcohol before bed.
- Baby at your breast — The baby should be placed flat on the mattress near the breastfeeding mother, not propped on pillows.
- Healthy baby on his back — Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Keep him lightly dressed — Dress the baby in no more than one additional layer than an adult would wear comfortably.
- Not too soft a bed — The sleeping surface should be firm enough to support the baby's airway and avoid soft bedding that can cause suffocation.
- Watch the cords and gaps — Avoid hazards like cords or spaces where a baby could get trapped or strangled.
- Keep the covers off his head — Bedding or toys should not cover the baby's head to prevent suffocation.
Experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics generally recommend room- sharing without bed-sharing due to SIDS risks but acknowledge safer bed- sharing practices when following these guidelines. Safe Sleep 7 aims to reduce risks if parents choose to co-sleep, especially to support breastfeeding and ease nighttime care. The safest practice for infant sleep is usually placing the baby on their back in a firm crib next to the parents' bed, especially for the first six months. However, if bed-sharing, adhering strictly to the Safe Sleep 7 can mitigate some risks associated with co-sleeping.
